In partnership with Paspaley

There are people who move through the world collecting things, and then there are people who collect moments.

Bella Thomas belongs firmly to the latter. Her days are punctuated by small rituals: a warm drink before the morning begins, fresh flowers gathered on the way home, the familiar comfort of wearing the same pieces again and again, walks beneath the trees or beside the sea. Beauty isn't something she searches for; it's something she notices. In an era increasingly defined by intention over excess, these quiet routines have become their own kind of luxury.

It's a philosophy that feels surprisingly aligned with pearls.

Long considered jewellery reserved for life's biggest milestones, pearls are being redefined by a generation who see luxury differently. Rather than saving precious pieces for rare occasions, they're incorporating them into the rhythm of everyday dressing – worn with crisp cotton shirting, vintage denim and favourite knits; layered instinctively, collected slowly and passed between generations. The appeal lies not simply in their beauty, but in their permanence. They become companions to daily life, quietly gathering stories with every wear.

For Paspaley, this has always been the true value of a South Sea pearl. Born from the Australian ocean and cultivated over generations of expertise, each pearl is a reminder that nature's greatest luxuries are never rushed. They are shaped by patience, time and care – qualities that feel increasingly rare, and increasingly desirable.

As Thomas invites us into a week of her everyday rituals, wearing Paspaley's Strands Collection along the way, her way of living becomes less about jewellery and more about the objects we choose to live alongside. Because the pieces that endure are rarely the ones we save for someday. They're the ones that become part of the rituals that quietly shape our lives.

You’ve described yourself as someone who notices the little things – a beautiful ceramic, fresh flowers, something found at a local grocer. What do you think draws you to these quiet luxuries?

I think what draws me to these things is the fact that they so often go unnoticed. The clouds in the sky, the way the wind moves through the trees, or sunlight landing quietly but beautifully on a windowsill. I love taking notice of these small moments. Beauty is around us all the time, we never really have to search too far for it.

How has your relationship with getting dressed evolved? Are you finding yourself reaching for pieces that feel more personal than trend-driven?

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself dressing much more for comfort and ease. I love a uniform and a pair of pants that fit just right. Whenever I travel, I end up wearing the same four or five pieces in eight or nine different ways, while half of what I packed goes untouched! I think I’ve learnt that I’m very much a creature of habit and will always be drawn to a simple uniform.

Your imagery often feels deeply connected to the Australian landscape. How does nature shape the way you see beauty, both in fashion and in everyday life?

I grew up by the sea, with a mother who is a painter, so I was always surrounded by beautiful things. Creativity was really woven into my upbringing. My mum also loved fashion and creative cooking, and worked as an art director for many years, which had a huge influence on me. I spent afternoons flipping through fashion and art magazines, and weekends going to gallery openings or having long Sunday lunches at home. I think those early foundations really shaped the way I see and appreciate beauty now.

Some pieces become part of our identity because of the stories they carry. Do you own anything that feels irreplaceable because of its history or sentiment?

When I got married, part of the tradition in our culture is for the bride to be given not only a wedding ring, but also a gold necklace called a minnu. It’s the first gift given to the bride by the groom. Mine is incredibly special to me because it feels like a link to my grandparents, and the generations of family before them.

Is there a part of your daily routine that you treat as non-negotiable – a ritual that helps you feel grounded?

A warm morning drink. It might be matcha, black coffee, warm lemon water or green tea, but that little morning ritual is non-negotiable.

Pearls have long been associated with heirlooms and special occasions, but today they're finding a place in everyday wardrobes. Do you think the most treasured pieces are the ones that become part of everyday life, rather than those saved for special occasions?

Yes, I couldn’t agree more! I love wearing my special pieces every day rather than saving them for certain occasions. They deserve to be worn and well loved, rather than tucked away in a box.

If we opened your camera roll, what would be your most snapped person or place?

It would definitely be either my dog, Raphy, or trees!

What makes an object worth keeping for a lifetime?

The history and memories it holds. I think these pieces should be cherished and passed down, so their stories can keep living.

Whether you're at home or travelling, what helps a place stay with you long after you've left?

My partner Adam and I started collecting one small rock from every place we travel to. We write the name of where we found it on one side, and now have these little stones scattered around our home as memories of places we’ve loved over the years. It’s such a simple, beautiful thing to do, and I think we’ll continue collecting them as life moves forward.

You can explore the complete collection of Paspaley Strands on the Paspaley website and in your nearest boutique.